With his younger brother in his arms Brian Hannigan (Neil Patrick Harris) calls 911 as he believes his parents are dead. They are having been brutally murdered the night before with the finger of blame falling on Brian's adopted brother Daniel (Johnny Galecki) who has been in Crownsville State hospital for a year due to his violent behaviour. With the police trying to build their case Brian speaks to Tom (Gregory Harrison), a lawyer and friend of the family about their parents, about growing up and what he and Daniel went through.
Patrick Harris from "How I Met Your Mother" and Johnny Galecki from "The Big Bang Theory" are the stars of "Sudden Fury", aka "A Family Torn Apart". This is a TV movie from back in 1993 when Harris was known for "Doogie Howser, M.D." and Galecki was popping up in "Roseanne".
The 2 stars are not the only interesting thing about this movie as the murder is based on a true story.
Patrick Harris's delivery has you gripped and I can't praise him highly enough.Harris's initially cold then emotional performance as Brian is both touching and powerful. Whilst Galecki is brooding, raw rage. Linda Kelsey and John M. Jackson performances as the parents (shown in flashbacks) deserve plenty of praise. there is drama and pain as the plot thickens.
Trust me when I say "Sudden Fury" is worth watching alone for the performance of the young Patrick Harris as much as for the fact it's a horrifying true story.
"Sudden Fury" is an absolute gem of a movie with a great true story and great performances from Neil Patrick Harris and Johnny Galecki. For those who discount made for TV movies as rubbish should seek this one out as it will change your mind.
